South Oxfordshire residents are "guaranteed quality and cost-effective" local services following the approval of the 2024-2025 District Council budget.

As part of the budget, £500,000 will be allocated to support various community projects aimed at improving residents' quality of life, enhancing local facilities, and boosting action on climate change.

Additionally, £60,000 will go towards supporting the arts across South Oxfordshire with £405,000 earmarked for improvements at the Cornerstone Arts Centre.

As a result of budgeting and targeted investment in Council operations in past years, the district finds itself in a financially "positive" position.

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The Council did not consider any reductions to services, allowing services like the Council’s Community Hub to continue providing support for residents.

The budget includes an increase in funding for homelessness prevention, money to support expanding the housing team, and support for active communities.

Significant investment is planned for social housing as part of the council’s capital budget.

Also on the agenda is the decarbonisation of leisure centres, expected to minimise energy usage and consequently reduce ongoing expenses.

The council tax for 2024/25 has been set at £146.24 annually for a Band D property.

This means that South Oxfordshire residents will continue to pay one of the lowest rates in the country for district council-provided services.

The council tax assists in funding numerous services, including household waste and recycling collections, community support, leisure services, parks and public toilets, housing services, planning services, environmental health, and licensing.

Councillor Pieter-Paul Barker, cabinet member for finance and property assets at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: "Despite the major challenges we continue to face, including funding rises that are below inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing economic and political uncertainty, we continue to maintain positive finances and provide quality local services and support for our communities.’’

He added: "Following approval of the 2024/45 budget, we can now build on our successes of the last year and help even more people to lead active lives and continue to help those who are struggling financially.

"We will also continue to work with our partners towards delivering more affordable housing, improved local infrastructure and on local projects that help to reduce emissions and tackle climate change.

“We’re in a much more positive position than many other authorities and continue do well to maintain our finances but we will remain extra vigilant and stay focused on our goal of achieving long-term financial stability.”

For details of the approved 2024-2025 South Oxfordshire District Council budget, visit the February 22 Council meeting agenda page.